Companion (Theatrical)

A lot of critics have begun their reviews of this film with the warning that it’s best to avoid the ads and go in fresh. That is to preserve some of the film’s many twists. Truth be told, I was immediately hooked by the film’s first teaser trailer last fall. That was more than enough to entice me into seeing the film. The latest ads certainly did show more than I think they should have, but that didn’t stop my enjoyment of the film. Two things about that should be noted. First is that the big reveal comes about 25 minutes or so into the film. The second is that the film has a lot more to offer than the twist which truly fits into the basic premise of the film. If you want to see the film (which I strongly encourage you to do) I would maybe just skip to my bottom line and avoid this review until you’ve seen it. You’ve been warned.

The opening sequence has our lead character, Iris (A wonderful Sophie Thatcher) narrating about her first encounter with Josh (Jack Quaid). She mentions how the two best moments were the day she met him and the day she killed him. The two of them are going for a little getaway at a billionaire’s cabin who is named Sergey (Rupert Friend), along with their pals Eli (Harvey Guillen) and Patrick (Lukas Cage) as well as Kat (Megan Suri). Iris mentions how she doesn’t feel Kat likes her too well, but Josh convinces her to give it a try. The opening half might throw some viewers off as to just exactly what is happening, but I find that to be most effective as I was continually intrigued. After a character makes a pass at Iris, she stabs him and kills him in self-defense. It’s now on the remaining characters to decide just what they should do next. I am hardly the guy to call it and guess what a film has to offer in terms of plot twists and what have you. I will say that I at least pieced together one big reveal. One of the twists is what the ad shows us is that Iris is a robot who is programed essentially to be a lover, or companion if you will to Josh. I am referring to another twist that puts the central premise into motion. Maybe a lot of viewers will, but who knows. What happens next is thrilling, funny and never boring.

The film thankfully doesn’t become preachy, but the elements are there for us to ponder.  I have mixed feelings on A.I. as I feel that we don’t want to lose too much social interaction. It’s often good to disconnect and just enjoy life for a while. So much works in the film from the casting of these likeable characters who are doing not so great things. And then there’s Thatcher as Iris. She plays the part wonderfully, never breaking from the fact that she isn’t a real person. With that being said, most viewers may have a lot of empathy towards her as the film reaches its conclusion. The film kept me with it and remains mostly unpredictable. I say mostly as the climax learns more toward convention, though things are still so bizarre and original that I find the ending mostly works. This one made an impression and earned my recommendation. Check it out.

I won’t say that the marketing did this film a ton of favors (though I love the teaser), but that’s only a small portion of the surprises that are in store for viewers. I hope the premise and January release date doesn’t deter viewers as this film captivated me. Check it out.